Bosnia at 10/11 to qualify from Group F looks decent shout with Dzeko set to shine

Bosnia are the only side at the World Cup who will be making their first appearance in the tournament, after narrowly missing out four years ago, as their odds to qualify from the group at 10/11 look a decent bet.

Manager: Safet Susic
World Cup best: First World Cup
How they qualified: Winner European Group G

Bosnia qualified in style, claiming 25 points from a possible 30 to edge Greece out into the play-off spots on goal difference.

They averaged three goals a game during qualification and only Robin Van Persie scored more goals than both Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic.

Their 2-1 away win at Slovakia was key to their qualification, especially after going a goal down in Zilina.

Star player: Miralem Pjanic (Roma)

Miralem Pjanic has enjoyed a fantastic season domestically for Roma and will need to repeat those level of performances for his country.

He is their only genuinely world-class midfielder and his ability from a dead ball could turn games.

One to watch: Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray)

Izet Hajrovic represented Switzerland once, however after failing to nail down a place opted to represent Bosnia instead.

His form saw Turkish giants Galatasaray sign him and if he can force his way into the side will be looking to build on some recent good performances.

Strengths

The strike partnership of Dzeko and Ibisevic scores goals and they will fancy their chances against Argentina’s back-line.

In their first World Cup they will be determined to make a mark and in Asmir Begovic they have one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

Weaknesses

Safet Susic is over reliant on key players, with the players filling the remaining spots in the squad not good enough at the highest level.

They have a lack of alternatives to their first XI and if one of Dzeko and Ibisevic gets injured then they are in trouble.

How far can they go?

They can seriously compete with Nigeria and Iran for a place in the next round, however they will probably lose their first match and will need to bounce back.